Textile pressing machine



March 20, 1962 G. PAULSEN TEXTILE PRESSING MACHINE 11 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed April 50, 1958 Gef-hard Pau/sen March 20, 1962 G. PAuLsx-:N 3,025,621

TEXTILE PRESSING MACHINE Filed April 30, 1958 ll Sheets-Sheet 2 l 73a -93 IH .97 95 ya 7a 73 95 O la7 ma 73A `7n ven for:

Gerhard Pau/ fen March 20, 1962 Filed April 30, 1958 G. PAULSEN TEXTILE PRESSING MACHINE 11 Sheets-Sheet 3 Gerhard Pau/sen mmHg/M@ gaar/*zege March 20, 1962 K G. PAuLsEN 3,025,621

TEXTILE PRESSING MACHINE Filed April 50, 1958 ll Sheets-Sheet 4 9) mn@- `\L A' TF m Fig. 5

.7n Ventar:

6 Erhard Pau/sen March 20, n,1962 G. PAULSEN TEXTILE PREssING MACHINE 11 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed April 30, 1958 Jn ven for Gerhard Pau/sen March 20, 1962 Filed April 30, 1958 G. PAULSEN TEXTILE PRESSING MACHINE 11 Sheets-Sheet 6 Jn venior- Gerhard Pau/.sen

G. PAULSEN TEXTILE PRESSING MACHINE March 20, 1962 l1 Sheets-Shes?, '7

Filed April 30, 1958 pfforneys March 20, 1962 G. PAULsEN TEXTILE PEEssING MACHINE 1l Sheets-Sheet 8 Filed April 50, 1958 Gerhard Pau/fen Worn eys l1 Sheets-Sheet 9 Filed April 50, 1958 www Ger/lard Pau SerL By 5 M@ Jlor'fys March 20, 1962 G. PAuLsl-:N 3,025,621

TEXTILE PRESSING MACHINE Filed April 30. 1958 11 Sheets-Sheet 10 Fig. u

Gerhard Pau/sen By W6% g March 20, 1962 G. PAULsEN 3,025,621

TEXTILE PREssING MACHINE Filed April 50, 1958 ll Sheets-Sheet 11 Fig. 15

.7n venfor:

Gerhard Pau/.sen

arent 3,@21 Patented Mar. 29, 192

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3,025,621 TEXTILE PRESSHNG MACE-ENE Gerhard Paulsen, 2S Rossertstrasse, Eppstein (Taunus), Germany Fiied Apr. 30, 1958, Ser. No. 732,085 Claims priority, application Germany May 3, 1957 1d Claims. (Cl. .3S-l5) When pressing textiles, ie. fabrics, clothing and linen goods, and the like, it is of importance to adapt the manner of pressing to the particular requirements of the material to be treated. For instance, there are considerable differences in the treatment even of a single garment and therefore, the application of at least two different pressing techniques has proved necessary for obtaining the best results. The present invention relates to a device, the use of which permits an alternative application of either one or the other technique, either simultaneously or in succession.

One of the pressing techniques, in the following referred to as blowing-through steam pressing, consists in subjecting the textiles to high pressures while at the same time introducing and blowing through steam and heating the materials to be treated. As it is not possible to heat the fabrics in contact with the steam substantially above 100 C., a relatively extended period of pressure application is required. However, such a long period of treatment is often unfavorable and may lead to ironing failures, since, for instance, the fabrics tend to distort and wrinkle near the folds and seams.

This is to be considered in connection with the fact that the steam, which is preferably introduced from the head of the pressing machine, follows the easiest path in the mentioned areas, thus causing a particularly large deformation of those fabric parts through which it passes mainly. Primarily, however, it is the extended period of time required in this pressing technique which causes the defects referred to above.

Another pressing technique, which in the following is referred to as dry pressing, consists in subjecting the cloth for a short period of time, to considerably higher temperatures under pressure, without admitting steam to it. (It is preferable to initially moisten somewhat the surfaces of the cloth.) While the defects mentioned above are avoided by this technique, it is generally not possible to press very thick clothes properly in this manner since this short period .of time does not permit the heat to penetrate sufficiently, and thus to deform the libres. Thus, dry pressing is applied especially when, for instance, the surface of a lapel, or of the crease of a trouser is to be smoothened without marking visible seams or producing undesired creases at the turn up areas. ln this case, therefore, dry pressing has to be employed. it is preferred, too, when linen goods are to be ironed. This technique has the advantage that the cloth is smoothed in a period of time suiiiciently short to avoid any deformation by heat ,or steam. The first mentioned technique, however, i.e. blowing-through steam pressing, is applied on thick cloth, such as, for example, Homespun-woollens or carded wool suit cloth, since otherwise the heat of the iron will not penetrate nor sufficiently warm the cloth. Therefore, steam and pressure have to be applied simultaneously in this case.

Summarizing it can be stated, that the dilerence between the blowing-through steam pressing and the dry pressing operation consists in that the fabrics, in the lirst case, are maintained in a damp state for a longer period of time by passing through steam, whereas in the second case the fabrics, after having been moistened, are dried and fashioned by a metal support which is heated to a somewhat higher temperature.

The present invention provides a pressing machine applicable for all kinds of textiles, having at least one heated top part and/ or base part provided with means for steam introduction and means for suction from at least one .of the sides, at least one of these parts being movable, characterized in that the pressing machine is provided with a switching system which may alternatively supply steam to pass through the articles during the pressing operation or which may expose the superiicially moistened articles to higher temperatures during the pressing operation, Without the introduction of steam, for drying them within a short period of time. In order to control the operation mechanical electric or photo-electric controlling means may be provided which adjust the movement of the mentioned parts, the dampening of the goods to be treated and/0r the suction `of steam therefrom in correspondence to the movement of the movable part in such a manner that the controlling means automatically perform different, previously adjusted treatment rhythms either separately or in succession. The controlling means mentioned above may comprise electric, pneumatic, hydraulic or Aother mechanical operating and transferring means and function in such a way to adjust automatically various minimum times of pressure application, defined steam quantities, temperatures and/or pressures alternatively. Furthermore, the controlling means may be of such a construction that the different treatment rhythms are restricted temporarily and locally to defined zones of the pressing surfaces.

In order to further characterize the nature of the present invention, one embodiment of the new pressing machine is described with regard to FIGURES l to 5 of the appended drawings. flnis machine is operated pneumatically, but it is to be understood, that instead of compressed air other operating and transferring means may be used, e.g. direct electric or mechanical drives, flywheel masses or pressure fluids, and that instead of the controlling means shown in the drawing, photo-electric or merely mechanical controlling devices may be employed, e.g. those which are operated with templates and/ or by clockwork, such a clockwork being wound up in the beginning the operation, running automatically the whole operation according to a defined, predetermined plan.

In the accompanying drawings:

FIG. l is a partially perspective view of a pressing machine according to the invention;

FIG. 2 shows the controlling means;

FIG. 3 shows a detail of the dampening means for the top part and FIG. 4 is a plan view of the top part when shut;

FiG. 5 is a switching plan showing an electrically actuated switching and controlling system;

FIG. 6 is a side elevation of a somewhat modilied ernbodiment of the pressing machine, in which the ironing part is constructed otherwise and is locally subdivided in such a manner that the same garment may be treated in different zones in different ways;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged section through the base part of this embodiment along line VIl--VII in FIG. 8;

FIG. 8 is a plan view of the base part and FIG. 9 is a front view of the same machine;

FIG. l0 shows another modification of the machine represented in FIGS. 6 to 9;

FIGS. ll and l2 show details of the embodiment according to FIG. 10;

FlG. 13 shows a development of controlling discs, which in FIG. 14 are shown adapted to an entire switching system;

FIG. l5 shows a modified switching system; and

FIG. 16 shows theactuation of the switching system for the several actuating steps.

Referring now to FIG. l, 1 designates the top part and 2 the base part of the machine. The base part is mounted on a sheet-metal plate 3 which bears a synthetic resin plate, not numbered, and which is supported on frame 5. The base part comprises a support 7 having a steam chamber 8, from which a steam transfer chamber 9 is partitioned oft', into which latter the lower steam controlling valve lil projects from below. Furthermore, the steam chamber is crossed by an air suction valve ll. This valve is connected to the steam distribution chamber 12, which entirely covers the steam chamber and which is defined above by a covering plate 13 provided with boreholes 14. 15 designates a steam supply pipe leading into steam chamber and consisting preferably of a steel-clad asbestos tube. f6 is a suction conduit attached below suction valve 1l. Furthermore there is provided a condensate exit 17. rThese members i5, 16 and 17 have their equivalents in the upper support 6 of the top part. For the sake of clarity this figure shows only the condensate discharge 17A of the top part, while steam supply pipe 15A belonging to this part is shown in FlG. 3.

As shown in FiG. l, the top part is supported on both sides by a supporting yoke E8. At point 19, this supporting yoke is freely pivotally joined to frame S (by ball or roller bearings) and bears at its outer end fixed continuations 26 of the yoke arms 18A and 18B (FlG- URE 4). The top part reposes tiltably in joints Z1. When being tilted it rams two paddings 22; it can be set in different positions by means of setscrew 23. Upon raising supporting yoke 18, the tilting movement is tripped by stop 2st, which is attached to an adjustable lever 25.

An arm 26 is rigidly connected with yoke 18 and serves to raise it. This arm is attached to a piston rod 2S by means of a joint. Piston rod 2S leads into a cylinder 2g, which at 29A is hinged movably to frame 5. This cylinder comprises a plastic piston collar 36, an upper guide 31 for the piston rod, a gasket 32 near the upper guide and upper and lower air supply lines 33 and 34 respectively which lead to compressed air controlling valve 35.

Connection rod 36 connects joint 27 with a rear arm 37A of a segment 37, which is pivoted at 3S and cooperates with a pinion 39. Pinion 39 is fixed on a shaft et) bearing on each side a controlling disc 41 and 42. Each of these controlling discs is placed between two controlling arcs (43, 44 and 4S, 46) and bears additionally two terminals dfi, 48 and 49, 50. When the corresponding controlling disc is in a predetermined position, each of these terminals can touch a contact point fixed on the corresponding controlling arc, namely terminal 47 can make contact with contact point 52, in with 5l, 49 with 53 and 5l) with 54.

Shaft 55 bears contact levers 56 and 57 respectively on each side of segment 37, each of which is connected with it. Levers 56 and S7 are drag-levers and the operation of these levers is described below. Equivalents of levers 56 and 57 are found in drag-levers 374A and 374B shown in FGURE 14. Contact lever 56 actuates in its lower position a switch S8 and in its upper position a contactor Gti. ln the same Way contact lever 57 actuates in its lower position switch 59 and in its upper position contactor 61.

The two switches 53 and 59 are normally maintained in open position by compression springs 53A and 59A.

A magnet 62 is provided for actuating the compressed air main controlling valve 3S. In the same way magnet 63 actuates the lower-steam Valve and magnet 64- actuates the suction valve in the base part of the press whilst magnet 65 actuates the upper-steam valve of the top part (not shown).

The last mentioned magnet is attached to yoke 18; it operates in a manner lto lift lever 67 against the power of tension spring 76 by means of a steel rope 66 which lever is pin-joined to a supporting lever 68. A setscrew 69 serves to adjust the tension of the spring and to push valve disc 71B (FIG. 3) against its seat by means of stem 71A.

72 is a controlling device (FIG. 2). Its essential part consists in a main actuation lever '73 provided with pedal 74. This lever is slidably mounted on shaft 75 and is pushed by spring 73A against a stop formed by setscrew 73B. At 78, a stop lever 76 is connected with lever 73. On the top of this stop lever a pawl 77, capable of engaging the teeth of ratchet wheel 79, is mounted. The number of the teeth of this ratchet wheel corresponds to the number of the desired operation steps. A lever $5, which at its lower end immediately above pedal 74 has a lug S7 for the shoe point of the operator, is rotatably mounted on shaft 36 of ratchet Wheel 75. At 82 and Sd a pair of covering plates 33 pin-joins stop lever 76 with lever 85. A tension spring 8l inserted in a sleeve 80 pushes these covering plates in such a direction that lock pawl 77 presses against the teeth of ratchet wheel 79 and that lug 37 is maintained above pedal 74.

Ratchet wheel 79 moves forward when the l operators foot leaves pedal 74, whereupon the latter is moved upward together with the stop lever 76 and pawl 77. The pawl engages in the next tooth of the ratchet wheel, thereby moving the wheel upwardly `for one tooth width.

If the operator observes during the operation that one or more treatment steps did not have the desired effect on the garment or the fabric so that a repeated treatment seems necessary, he moves lug 37 forward with his shoe point thus suspending the engagement of lock pawl 77 in the teeth of the ratchet wheel. A reset device (not shown) permits the ratchet wheel to be reset by one or more steps and the desired treatment steps to be repeated.

Ratchet wheel 79 is bedded in a segment ring SS, comprising a number of current-carrying segments. Each of the segments of the segment ring 83 controls one section of the garment to be treated. Thus, when not pressing a garment the operations designated by A and B are carried out in a defined sequence. The segments are related to this sequence. Thus, the pressing operation is defined by the sequence and the number or repetition of the segments, for example, A, B, B, A, A, B. The number of the current-carrying segments is preferably chosen so as to correspond to the number of the teeth of ratchet wheel 79. ln the drawing, the current-carrying segments 83A are shown in hatched lines, whereas the currentless segments SSB are not hatched. 89 represents an indicator window, provided in a case, the size of which corresponds to the surface of segments 88A or 88B. This window may be provided with a magnifying lens in order to facilitate the reading of the numbers, letters or words on the outer surface of the segments. 90 and 91 are current collecting contacts being in contact with the segments.

92 designates an additional actuation lever by means of which additional suction is provided in the base part of the press in special cases. As, in general, this lever is not utilized it may be preferable to provide locking means 94 therefor', for example in the form of a locking pin, which only releases the lever in these special cases and thus makes impossible any unintended use of it during normal operation.

In the same way as lever 92. is provided with pedal 93, another additional actuation lever 95 with pedal 96 is provided also permitting in special cases an additional dampening through the base part.

Below lever 73 a stem 97 is provided which closes switch 98 against the power of spring 98A when lever 73 is pressed down. 99 is a current supply to shaft 86 of ratchet wheel 79.

The switching system as shown in FIG. 5 comprises the main current supply conduits lilo and 103. Conduit 166 ends in main switch Q8, which is shut upon pressing down main lever 73. Conduit 1ll7 leads from the main switch to magnet 62, which actuates the compressed air controlling valve. On the other side, this magnet is in connection with the main current conduit 168.

When lowering yoke 18 with the top part, aun 37A of segment 37 is raised by means of connection rod 36, thereby rotating anticlockwise discs 41 and Ld2 of FIG. l. Likewise, levers 56 and 57 are pushed downwardly. When lever 56 reaches switch 5S and lever 57 switch 59, conduits 163 and 195 as well as 162 and 1641- are connected with each other. Depending on the construction of controlling segment SSA or 88B appearing below window 89, only one of the two conduits 162 and 1%, if any, is current-carrying.

When according to procedure A (blowing-through steam pressing) current is fed into 103 and when the top part is lowered, a connection is established via switch 5S and conduit 105' with contact points 47 and 48. Upon further lowering the top part, pinion 39 moves the two segment discs il and 42 until terminal 47 reaches contact point 52. At this point the current coming from 165 passes through conduit 109 and reaches time switchrelay 111 being in connection with main current conduit ldd. Thereby, a temporarily adjustable connection is established between 112 coming from main conduit 106, conduits 113 and 114 and magnet 65 of the upper steam valve. In other words, at this point, either when the top part contacts the garment to be pressed or shortly before, steam is released from the top part.

When further rotating controlling disc 41 terminal 48 finally contacts contact point 51, while terminal 4.7 has already left the area of contact point 52. Now the cur rent from 165 reaches via 116 time switch relay 117 from which a conduit leads to main conduit 163. Thereby a temporarily controllable connection is established between 119, which cornes from main 106, and 120 leading to magnet 63 for actuating the lower-steam valve. At this point steam enters and leaves the base part. This procedure starts only when the top part contacts the garment to be pressed. The above description pertains to procedure A (FIG. 5) which is carried out by connecting segment ring 88 with current supply 16S.

However, when the segment ring is in connection with 162, the machine operates according to working method B (dry pressing). yIn this case a connection is established to lead the current from 99 via 88B to 102 and hence through switch 59 which is shut -by lowering the top part, into conduit 164 and then through controlling disc 42 to terminals 49 and 50. Of these it is terminal 49 which first contacts contact point 53. In other words, the current is carried via 115 to relay 110, where for a predetermined period of time the current is allowed to ow from 166 via 112, 113A and 114A to magnet 65. ln procedure B, this period of time is so adjusted that the upper-steam valve is shut before the top part contacts the garment About 0.5-50 seconds later, after terminal a9 has contacted contact point 53, terminal 5i) reaches contact point 54. A current then Hows from 104i via 16A to relay 118 permitting a current passage for an adjustable period of time from main conduit M6 via 119, 119A and 120A to magnet 63. This magnet opens the damping valve 1i? for the base part. The special feature of procedure B lies in the fact that the upper steam outflow is interrupted before the top part contacts the cloth. With respect to procedure B, it is of importance to start the suction only a relatively long period of time after having removed the top part from the material being pressed.

The duration of the dampening and suction operations is preferably indicated by optical and acoustic signs. The sounding of the bell signals or the flashing on or olf of the lamps will serve to give the operator notice of change of conditions in the machine. Thereupon the operators foot leaves pedal 74. Lever 73 rises, thereby re-opening switch 98. The current supply to magnet 62 is thereby interrupted and compressed air valve 35 transfers the air stream by means of a spring (not shown) to line Sd, whereby yoke 18 is raised. Thereupon, levers 56 and 57 rise, whereby switches 58 and 59 are opened and the dampening ceases. rthe levers strike contacts 6b and 61, thus connecting conduits 163, 101 and 126. The last mentioned conduit leads to a relay 123 connecting for an adjustable period of time main conduit 106 via 124, 124A and 125A with magnet 64, which effects the suction from the base part. This commences at the engagement of lever 56 with contact 60. According to procedure B a connection between contact 61 and lever 57 is established in a similar way. In this case, the current flows from 102 via 105i and 121 to relay 122, which, similarly, permits for a denite period of time a predetermined current passage via 124 and 125' to magnet 64. In the present case, the effect is the same.

In the above described embodiment magnet 62 is shown as simple switching means. Alternatively it can be assembled with a retarding relay thus permitting predetermination and exact adjustment of the period of time, during which the top part is pressed down against the base part. For technical reasons this procedure is desirable, but it is disadvantageous in that in the case of mishap the operator is not able to interrupt the whole operation process by immediate removal of his foot from pedal 74. Such an interruption can become necessary, for example, for reasons of security or in the case of an accident.

This necessity can be avoided by mounting on the base part a clamp or lever 127 which normally is raised and maintained in a definite position from below by a spring and which in this position interrupts one of the main current supply lines 166 or 108. A current passage is only possible when the operator after having arranged the garment to be pressed, presses down this lever or clamp 127 and it is not until this moment that the operation starts in the described sequence. lf it is desired to reinforce the dampening at defined areas of the respective garments, pressing forms are used in which, as is described hereinafter at least the dampening zone is subdivided by partition walls to obtain several zones, each of which is to be provided with separate control systems equipped with time-delay relays, power-transmission means, etc. Likewise, several suction zones may be provided by suitably subdividing the suction areas and providing separate control systems equipped with power` transmission means, relays, etc. Furthermore, other control systems equipped with relays may be provided in order to reinforce or accelerate the pressing operation, which systems operate with additional heating means, e.g electric heaters. For instance, a certain switching and controlling system may be provided for pressing the reverse of a blouse, and for the other parts a second system may be applied. According to this embodiment the steam supply can be regulated depending on the ternperatures as indicated at certain areas of the two parts. For this purpose thermostats may be inserted at the respective areas.

Additionally, electric heating elements 129, for instance, may be mounted into the top part, e.g. via a conduit 13) provided with switch 1.28. If it is desired to include these heating elements 129 in the controlling system in order to heat the steam to particularly high temperatures at certain areas or places of the two parts, 13d is connected with 102.

FIGS. 6 to 9 show a slightly modiied embodiment of the parent pressing machine. The reference numbers of these figures correspond in general to those of the preceding figures except that in each case they exceed these by Ztli) so that the top and base parts, for instance, are designated by references 201 and 262. The difference between this slightly modified embodiment and that of FIGS. l to 5 resides primarily in that the top and the base parts are subdivided in the present case (see esp. FIG. 7). Base part 202 is again provided with aseam chamber 268, a steam introduction line 215 and a condensed-water discharge line 217. Lower-steam valve 210B leads from steam chamber 2% into steam distributing zone 212B. But this steam distributing Zone comprises only part of the space between covering plate 213 and base part 202. It is laterally limited by a strap 146, n the other side of which is another steam distributing zone 212A, the surface of which constitutes the greater part of the pressing surface. Furthermore, a lower suction tube 216A is connected with steam distributing zone 212A. 155B designates a rod which actuates lowersteam valve 210B.

As FIGURE 8 shows, hollow space 212A in this embodiment because of its greater surface area is provided with two damping valves 210A1 and 210A2 on both sides of suction tube 216A, whilst with regard to the smaller steam distributing zone 212B only one dampening valve 210B is provided and is arranged beside suction tube 216B. FIG. 8 shows in dotted lines a pair of mans trousers laid upon base part 202 in such a way that the lateral seam 153 of the lower part of one of the legs of the trousers is within steam distributing zone 212B, while the upper crease and particularly the leg part and the front crease 154 are within zone 212A. In this way it is possible to press seam 153 by the dry pressing procedure in which steam is only blown to the cloth in this zone, in order to moisten the same, prior to contacting the top part with the garment, while steam is blown through the remaining parts, especially through creases and the leg part, only after the top part has contacted the cloth. On othe other hand, suction in these two zones is not intended to take place simultaneously: In zone A suction begins immediately after removing the `top part, while in zone B suction does not begin until some considerable time after the top part has been raised, i.e. after the cloth has cooled suiliciently to avoid pressing through of the seams.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 6 a mechanism slightly differing from that shown in FIG. l serves to move the top part up and down. In this case a connection bar 228 is joined pivotally at 227 with the rear actuation arm 226. This bar engages a pivot 1411 of a lower disc 142. Disc 142 is connected by another pivot 143, a driving rod 14d and pivot 145 with disc 146 which rotates in the direction of arrow 147 when a slipping or hydraulic clutch (not shown in FIG. 6) is actuated either by hand or automatically. Upon clockwise rotation of discs 146 and 142 arm 226 is raised and at the same time arms 218 descend together with the top part until the top part lies upon the base part. Upon disengaging disc 146 connection bar 228 is pulled down together with arm 226 by a weight 150, which is adjustably fixed in a notch 149 of lever `1418, which is rigidly connected to disc 142.

Instead of actuating bar 228 by discs 1452 and 146, in the manner described above, this bar can alternatively be actuated via segment 237 connected with lever 237A. This segment engaging a pinion 239, is mounted on a shaft 189, the general arrangement being similar to that in the case of pinion 39 in FIG. l; otherwise the actuation of bar 228 corresponds to that shown in the switching system of FIGS. 14 and 15.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 6 suction lines 216A and 216B are provided with valves 211A and 211B, which are below plate 204i and which are opened and closed by magnets 263A and 263B. In this case, 152 is a connection bar of foot lever 292, the mode of action of which is similar to that of lever 92 in FIG. 2.

The top part is provided with valves, which for the sake of clarity are not illustrated here in detail, but which are operating principally in the same manner as the corresponding valves of the base part. In this embodiment suction is not used.

The embodiment according to FIG. differs from that of FIGS. 6 to 9 in that, on the one hand, the valves of the two parts are only operated mechanically and that, on the other hand, chain drives serve to move the top part up and down as well as to actuate the controlling valves of the base part. Valves 156A1, 156A2 and 156B of the top part are actuated by cable lines, which are operated by rotating the valve shafts in coarse pitch nuts and which are actuatedwith respect to the xed cam discs 163A1, 163A2 and 163B--upon lifting and lowering of arms 218 by cam followers rigidly connected therewith. Details of this cam controlling system can be seen from FIG. l2.

In this figure the broken line OS shows the closed position of the parts, broken line OG the entirely opened position and broken line OH the approximately semiopened position. The position of the controlling means corresponds to the upward movement of the arms. Each of the cam disks mentioned above is mounted on a nonrotatable shaft 162, each of the non-rotatable shafts being rigidly mounted by a separate cranked supporting side bar 162A on both sides in the supporting frame 205. (For reasons of clarity FIGS. l0 and l2 show the side bar 162A only on the left side.) For operation A in the present case, cam segments 463A1 and 463A2 of these discs are approximately segment-shaped and adapted to the shape of the respective cam follower 165, They are provided in such an angular position as to correspond 'to the position of the arms parallel to line OS. Cam

segment 463B on disk 163B, however, comprises a somewhat larger angle and terminates, seen from abo-ve, at a level which is higher than the beginning point of segments 463A1 and 46S/A2 of disks 163A1 and 163A2.

Referring to FIG. 12, cam followers 165 are just emerged from the top of segments 463A1 and 463A?. of disks 163A1 and 163A2, whereas the corresponding cam follower at disk 163B does not engage the corresponding segment 463B. While such an engagement of the corresponding cam follower into segment 463B would be possible when lifting arms 213, this is prevented by the respective fork 183 of drag lever 137, which upon lifting of the arms is entrained by the subjacent bar of cam follower 165 and which maintains in this position disk 186 against the pressure of spring 166, so that the corresponding carn cannot engage segment 463B of disk 163B. The drag lever 137 is attached on the shaft 162 in a slipping manner by a slipping clutch. Disks 136, however, are rigidly attached to the shaft of the cam follower 165.

This applies to operation B. With respect to operation A similar features apply to cam segments 463A1 and 463A2 with their respective cam followers 16S. When starting the lifting step the drag levers attached to shaft 162 in a slipping manner, grip by means of their forks 13d beneath disks 186 rigidly attached to cam followers 165 and approximately at the same time cam followers 165 are withdrawn from segments 463A1 and 463A2. Thus the cam followers remain blocked during the entire upward motion.

When arms 218 have reached their highest position and when the top part is lowered in order to start a new operation step, the drag levers have the tendency to remain over shaft 162, since they are attached to the shaft in a slipping manner. Thus, forks 13S disengage from disks 136 and the cam followers are released for actuation by springs 166.

rI`his release lasts during the whole lowering step of arms 218 and during the time, at which the press is closed until arms 21S move upwardly again, whereupon the who-le procedure is repeated. Clamp 189C may be adjustable in height and, normally, is adjusted high enough to permit a first contact with lever 1&7 when the upwardly moving arms have covered an angle segment of about from 3 to 5 over the position of greatest openlng.

Cam followers 165 control alternatively either, as a function of segments #2l-631411 and 463A2, dampening aandeel il) valves 156A1 and 156A2 in operation A, or as a function of segment 463B valves 156B in operation B. In the drawings the respective cam followers 165, springs 166, disks 186, drag levers 137 and forks 138 are identified with the corresponding index number B, A1, or A2 for their respective positions.

A chain Wheel 161 is disposed laterally of support 219 of arms 21S (FIGURE 6), the chain wheel 161 being rigidly connected to the support, and a chain 162 runs over said chain wheel 161 towards lower chain wheel 169 mounted on shaft 1711 in order to automatically lift and lower the top part. This shaft carries another chain wheel 173, over which a chain 171i is running towards chain wheel 17S (FIGURE ll) on shaft 176 controlling the valves of the base part. Tension springs 159, the upper end of which is attached to lengthening pieces 226, while the lower end is connected with two levers 160, are provided for automatically lifting the top part. Shaft 171i is driven by motor 172 by means of coupling 171.

Five cam discs 178A1, 178112 and 173B as well as 177A and `177B are mounted on shaft 176 for actuating the lower-steam valves. The position of these discs is to be seen from FIG. 1l, and with regard to every cam disc there is associated a corresponding drag-lever. These levers are designated as 181A1, 1S1A2, 131B, 183A and 133B. As shown in FIG. 11, they are mounted in such a manner that they are capable of lifting discs 184 and 18S mounted on the bars of cam followers 179 against the tension of springs 181i. Forks 182, on drag-levers 181A1, 181A2 and 131B whose purpose is to prevent the engagement of the cam followers of the damping valves with the segments of discs 178A1, 17g/i2 and 178B, are disposed on the levers in such a way that they engage under discs 185" in a direction opposed to that in which similar forks on drag-levers 1S3A and 183B engage under discs 154 on the cam followers associated with cam discs 177A and 177B. The rst drag levers have a common lug clamp 178C, and the two remaining drag levers have a common lug clamp 177C.

The switching device, which in FIG. 14 is shown together with a switching system, comprises two controlling discs 1911A and 190B and four cam discs 191A, 191B, 192A and 192B. Cam discs 191A, 191B, 192A and 192B are mounted on a shaft 189, which carries at one end pinion 23@ (FIGURE 6), and rotate together with the pinion, while discs 190A and 196B do not rotate, but serve only to receive switches 194A and 194B as well as lugs 373A and 373B. Line X-Y indicates the position of the two parts when closed, which position is shown by the same references in the development according to FIG. 13. Drag levers 3741A and 374B are likewise mounted on shaft 189.

In FIG. 14, the four central cam discs are shown without their cams. For the sake of clearness these cams are shown in FIG. 13. The references on the left side of the development are the corresponding numbers of the cam discs, designating in the one case the lower-steam supply according to procedures A and B, and in the other case the upper-steam supply likewise according to A and B. The rotating direction of the discs is indicated by arrow 375C. The hatched areas of the developments show the position of the cams. While according to procedure B the cam is positioned far before the attaining of the closed position and ends before this position, according to procedure A this cam does not begin before this area and extends somewhat beyond the closed position. Regarding this manner of development, it is assumed to employ a ratio between the turning angle of the arms 11S and that of the cam discs of 1:1. It is to be understood, however, that in practice a greater ratio is used in order to improve the adjustability, whereby the corresponding cams of the discs cover a larger area.

In order to illustrate the arrangement and operation of the whole switching system according to FIGS. 14 and 11) 16, a more detailed description is given of procedures A and B in connection with the switching system:

If it is desired to operate the whole machine, it is necessary lirst to close safety switch 327 connected in the inain supply line 396. The operator has now the alternative either to put into action relay RO by switch 193 (FIG. 16), whereby switches 298 and 195A are closed, or to close switch 199 to operate relay RU, whereby switches 2%, 196A1 and 195A are closed. Alternatively, the operator may close switch 21111, whereby switches 298, 197A2, 197B, 196A1 and 196A'2, 196B, 195A and 195B are closed through relays RABlt and RABZ.

When the main switch Z913 is closed through one of the relays referred to above, the top part begins to descend by the actuation of magnet 262 either directly or by way of couplings or other operating devices. Simultaneously, shaft 189 is rotated in a direction opposed to arrow 375C. In duplex switch 1941A conduits 3i13A and 3114 are connected with each other, while conduits 369 and 355 are separated.

Simplex switch 194B interrupts the connection between 3113 and As a result of these switching operations, current is fed to conduit 312, which controls the dampening eiements. Conduits 35S and 3119 leading to the controlling means for exhaust, become currentless.

As is shown in FiG. 13, when further lowering the top part, the micro-switches for the dampening elements (1935A, 193B, 193A1 and 19331) are actuated correspondingly to the construction of the cam discs. By the actuation of these switches conduits 347 and 315 are connected with each other at 193A and retarding relay 311 is put in action, whereby secondary conduit 325 is connected with 32.6 and magnet 265A1 is provided with current. Furthermore, conduit 32d becomes current-carrying.

When switch 193B is closed, conduit 348 is connected with 316 thereby actuating retarding relay 3111. This relay establishes a connection between 312, 336 and 331.

Switch 193A1 connects 349 and 336 with retarding relay 317; as a result, a connection is established between 31?., 338 and 36d; conduit 359 is also fed with current.

By actuating switch 193131 a connection is established between conduits 350 and 339, whereby time relay 31S is actuated and a connection is established between conduits 341 and 35S.

Upon lifting the top part, shaft 1&39 is moved in the direction of arrow 375C, thereby connecting conduit 369 with 355 at switch 194A by drag lever 3711A and separating conduit 393A from 3134;.

in switch 194B conduit 3613 is connected with 399 by means of lever 374B. 3139 and 355 establish a connection with time relays 322B and 322A, which, in turn, establish a connection between 3414 and 357 as well as between and 351.

The beginning of the switching operations in switches 9d and 114B is determined by adjusting the position f these switches with regard to lug studs 373A and 711B; therefore, in discs 1511EA and 19GB, slots 376A nd 37GB are provided for the lugs, and .slots 371A and 71B for the switches.

After the operator, when beginning the operation, has closed switch 198, main switch 2% as well as switch MSA are actuated by relay RO. Switch A establishes a connection between 351 and 352, which energizes magnet for actuating suction valve 211A (procedure A). For reasons of conciseness, these as well as the following suction and dampening processes are designated as A etc. If the operator has closed switch 199 instead of switch 193, switches 1%A1 and 195A are actuated in addition to main switch 293 through relay RU. Switch 116A1 establishes a connection between conduits 361) and 361, thus delivering current to magnet 263A1, which opens dampening Valve 159111. Switch 195A operates as is described above with regard to the closing of switch 198.

When the operator closes switch 2.011, relays RABl and RABZ are actuated. The iirst mentioned relay closes main switch 298 and simultaneously tive other switches: Switch 197A2 establishes a connection between conduits 328 and 333 leading to magnet 26SA2, thereby actuating damping valve 159A2. (As described above, whenever main switch 29S is closed dampening valve l59All is actuated through magnet 265Al.) Switch i975 establishes a connection between 331 and 335 leading to magnet 265B, which opens dampening valve ?]3.

Switch 196Al, when actuated, operates as described above.

Switch 196A2 connects 359 with 367, thus delivering current to magnet 263A2 which opens dampening valve 210A2.

Switch 196B connects conduits 358 with 363, thus delivering current to magnet 263B, which opens understeam valve 210B.

Relay RABZ actuates through switch HSA suction A in the above described manner and another switch 195B actuates suction B through magnet 264- by connecting conduit 353 with 354.

The switching system according to FIG. 15 corresponds entirely to that of FIG. 14, from which it diiers only in that photo-electric switches are employed instead of the micro-switches. Discs 376A, 376B, 377A and 377B are not provided with cams, but with slots 378A, 378B, 379A and 379B. Between each pair of discs luminous sources 380 and 381 are disposed, and on the sides of the discs opposite to the luminous sources the particular photoelectric cells 331A, 38MB, SSZA and 382B are arranged. These photo-electric cells control the different retarding relays in the same way as the micro-switches in FIG. 14.

What is claimed is:

1. A pressing machine for pressing fabrics, clothing, linen articles, and the like, including in combination a movable top part, a base part, a heating chamber contained in at least one of said parts, a steam distribution chamber contained in said heating chamber containing part, a steam suction means in said steam distributing chamber containing part, a steam introduction means at said heating chamber, a condensate diversion means at said heating chamber, a valve for passing steam from the heating chamber into the steam distribution chamber, a control means for adjusting the movement of the parts, dampening the fabrics, clothing, linen articles, and the like, and the suction of steam therefrom, said control means being in connection with the movable top part and the steam movement, said control means including a retarding mechanism whereby at least two time of operation cycles of different durations are provided in the machine, actuatable means actuated by the control means serving to operate the movable top part whereby a pressing step is provided, said actuatable means including means for engaging with the steam introduction means whereby a dampening step is provided, said engaging means operable on said steam introduction means so that the steam introduction means is maintainable in open position during the pressing step and the steam introduction valve is closable shortly before the start of the pressing step.

2. A pressing machine for pressing fabrics, clothing, linen articles, and the like, including in combination a movable top part, a base part, a heating chamber contained in at least one of said parts, a steam distribution chamber contained in said heating chamber containing part, a first steam suction means in said steam distributing chamber containing part, a steam introduction means at said heating chamber, a condensate diversion means at said heating chamber, a valve for passing steam from the heating chamber into the steam distribution chamber, a second steam suction means in the said steam distributing chamber containing part, a control means for adjusting the movement of the parts, dampening the fabrics, clothing, linen articles, and the like, and the suction of steam therefrom, said control means being in connection l2 with the movable top part and the steam movement, said control means including a retarding mechanism whereby at least two time of operation cycles of different durations are provided in the machine, actuatable means actuated by the control means whereby a pressing step is provided, said actuatable means including means for engaging with the steam introduction means of said rst part whereby a dampening step is provided and simultaneously energizing the second suction means of the other part and operable on said steam introduction means and steam suction means whereby the steam introduction means is maintainable in open position during the pressing step and the second steam suction means is simultaneously energizab-le during the pressing step, and also the steam introduction valve is closable shortly before the start of the pressing step and simultaneously the energizing of the steam suction is retardable until after the pressing step.

3. A pressing machine as claimed in claim 2 wherein the control means includes time delay relays connected to electrical switches and discs and arms interacting with the control means so as to control the movement of the said steam introduction means and said steam suction means whereby the dampening of the articles to be treated and the suction of the steam therefrom in correspondence to the movement of the movable top part is carried on in such a manner as to permit the control means to carry out automatically and selectively different predetermined controlled sequences of operation steps both simultaneously and in succession.

4. In a pressing machine as claimed in claim 2 electrical switches comprised of photoelectrical switches.

5. A pressing machine as claimed in claim 2 wherein the control means is comprised of mechanical control devices including templates and clockwork interacting with discs and arms so as to control the movement of the steam introduction means and the steam suction means whereby the dampening of the articles to be treated and the suction of the steam therefrom in correspondence to the movement of the movable top part is carried on in such a manner as to permit the control means to carry out automatically and selectively different predetermined controlled sequences of operation steps both simultaneously and in succession.

6. A pressing machine as claimed in claim 2 wherein the control means is connected to pneumatic means for operating said movable top part and said steam introduction means and steam suction means including a supply of pneumatic gas and valves which, actuated by the control means, are connected to the movable top part, the steam introduction and steam suction means so as to provide control of the predetermined sequence of operations both simultaneously and in succession.

7. A pressing machine as claimed in claim 2 whereinv the control means is connected to direct electrical drives which, actuated by the control means, are connected to the movable top part, the steam introduction and steam suction means so as to provide control of the predetermined sequence of operations both simultaneously and in succession.

8. A pressing machine as claimed in claim 2 wherein the control means is connected to mechanical drives for operating the machine which, actuated by the control means, are connected to the movable top part, the steam introduction and steam suction means so as to provide control of the predetermined sequence of operations both simultaneously and in succession.

9. A pressing machine as claimed in claim 2 wherein the control means is connected to pressure fluid means for operating the machine which, actuated by the control means, are connected to the movable top part, the steam introduction and steam suction means so as to provide control of the predetermined sequence of operations both simultaneously and in succession.

l0. A pressing machine as claimed in claim 2 having control means and actuable means for operating the steam introduction valve so as to limit application of the dampenng to selected zones of the press surfaces contacting a pressed garment.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,160,013 Burnstein May 30, 1939 14 Monsarrat July 29, 1947 Rupp Dec. 6, 1949 Goldstein July 25, 1950 Schultz July 7, 1953 Goldman Dec. 29, 1953 Meyer Feb. 15, 1955 Ketchum et al Mar. 12, 1957 

